Port Douglas State School has a diverse student community. Our student population includes those in need of learning support or behaviour support, those who have education support needs arising from disability (verified and unverified), those who are gifted and talented, and those learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D), or a combination of these. Cultural backgrounds and socio-economic status, and family dynamics, also contribute to the diversity and complexity of the learning needs of our students.
At Port Douglas State School it is our shared belief that every student has the ability to learn and can demonstrate progress in their learning. We have a whole school layered approach to teaching that directs support to different levels of student need.
Port Douglas State School teachers differentiate instruction in response to data and day-to-day monitoring that indicates the particular needs of students. Teachers purposefully plan a variety of ways to: engage students, assist them to achieve the expected learning, and to demonstrate their learning.
Port Douglas State School teachers are expected to use an ongoing cycle of differentiation and reflection. If there is a lack of student progress, they identify alternate approaches that are likely to result in the intended student learning.
Teaching and learning at Port Douglas State School is based on the Australian Curriculum. The
Australian Curriculum is designed to teach students what it takes to be
confidence and creative individuals and become active and informed
citizens. It sets the standard for what
all students should learn as they progress through their school life – wherever
they live in Australia and whatever school they attend.
The Port Douglas State School Pedagogical Framework outlines the effective teaching and learning practices that focus on improved student achievement. The framework reflects the core systemic principles of:
- Student Centred Planning
- High Expectations
- Alignment of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Targeted and Scaffolded Instruction
- Safe, Supported, Connected and Inclusive Learning Environments